Perry Ellis’ Fall 2010 collection heated up the runways of Bryant Park with chiseled male models and luxurious mens sportswear.  The collection was armed with teal, navy, gray, black and muted red.  We love seeing a well-dressed man in leather, wool, velour and cashmere.  Let’s celebrate the fitted and sexy men’s blazer for fall; I’m particularly partial to the velour navy and charcoal gray ones.  The pants falls just right along the thighs and legs, that’s a tribute to the fabric and cut.  Cashmere sweaters and accessories, like ascots, suspenders and leather gloves round out this collection.  Perry Ellis knows there is nothing sexier than a man dressed in great menswear and a killer attitude.  I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to fall.

Custo Barcelona’s Fall 2010 collection was truly a feast for the eyes, a visual candy affair; sweet and delightful.  It was a colorful collection of luscious pinks, purples and blues.  Black-and-white patterns were thrown in for good measure.  The words cool, funky and fierce comes to mind.  Shapes, textures and patterns were the centerpiece of this runway show.  Solid fabrics were shown the door because this was all about faux fur, knits, leather, prints, patterns and even patchwork.  The show was set before flashing lights of red, blue, yellow, green and pink which was very fitting because those pieces should be reserved for the most stylish of club-goers.

It was a tale of two collections on the runway at Badgley Mischka, the lady and the rock ‘n roller.  Badgley Mischka has built a reputation on designing beautiful red carpet gowns, and for Fall 2010 they did not disappoint.  The gowns were as lovely as ever, and we may see a few off the runway come Oscar time next month.  Though the gowns are buzzworthy, the real news was the debut of their new line, Mark & James.  It’s young, sexy and edgy all rolled up into one collection.  Think sequin leggings, thigh-high boots and black stretched leather pants.  It’s enough to cause the original Badgley Mischka lady to clutch her pearls, while secretly coveting the glazed laced pant.  Wonderful knits and wool were mixed in with the sequins and leather that could transition from day to evening seamlessly.

The design duo has taken their label to the next level with the creation of Mark & James; overnight, they have proven themselves to be in touch with the market, and needs of women.  Badgley Mischka has chosen to remain relevant in this new decade, and women all over the world are the beneficiaries. 

Matthew Ames served up a Fall 2010 collection of leather and cashmere.  The collection was simple and clean, almost pure.  No one could accuse Ames of trying too hard; it was understated, without being under-rated.  Each piece has a Zen-like quality, and a feeling of calm overtakes you each time you view the line.  If clothes had innocence and vulnerability, this is what I imagine it would look like.  Only a tremendous design talent could master the very masculine leather to create pieces with a soul.

Carlos Miele gave us beautiful dresses and gowns for day or evening in his Fall 2010 collection.  His color selection was vivid and bright, not the usual color palette for winter.  For that, he gets a bravo.  He gave us desirable prints, color blocks and a wonderful caribbean blue.  Miele did offer up the gray and black we’re so use to in the fall; they came in fur jackets that were just the right shade for the season, and had all the warmth for winter.  The hemlines fell right above the knee, and a pair of tights may be the only accessory needed.  Viewing this collection puts one in a vacation state of mind, and that’s not a bad place to be when the cold of winter sets in.

Malandrino’s Fall 2010 gave us beautiful and exotic jackets and wraps that will ward off even the most brutal temperatures of winter. The leopard, tiger and fox fur in the collection made the presentation more primal, without the usual cliche.  Velvet and other rich and luxurious fabrics were used to bring this presentation to life, and the sequins brought the shine.  Malandrino’s color palatte of cobalt blue, black, navy and tan complemented her fabric choices and enhanced her designs.  The accessories were almost as strong as the collection itself, and could have had a show of their own.  Casting was the key to this collection; it was one of the most diverse casting I’ve seen so far this season, with the exception of one other.  The diversity of the models gave both the presentation and collection a very international vibe that extended beyond the reach of New York City.  Malandrino gets the nod for transporting the audience beyond fashion week. 

Leanne Marshall’s signature style was all over her Fall 2010 collection.  The designer was the winner of Project Runway season  5.  She’s proven this season that her win was not a fluke.  Her aesthetic is for ornate beauty, and she brings that to her designs. One jacket was layered with beautiful scalloped edges inside the pockets, now that’s attention to detail.  Leanne’s ability to sculpt beautiful flowers from ordinary fabric is a truly an artform.  The lady knows how to make feminine dresses that women will want to wear.  Teal, cream and black were her color choices, and her intricate appliques took the place of prints.  The prints were not missed because her designs provided the texture and patterns we would have longed for.  Leanne is one to watch because she will only get better, and her development in the upcoming seasons is truly an exciting prospect. 

Lela Rose’s Fall 2010 collection transitioned well from day to evening.  The Lela Rose woman will have plenty to choose from in the fall; she will have easy daytime separates, and dresses just right to slip into as she leaves the office in the evening.  The highlight of the collection were the ‘liquid mercury’ jumpsuit and ‘liquid mars’ draped one shoulder dress.  They were a wonderful deviation from the usual fabric selection for fall, and gave Lela Rose an edgier and futuristic feel.  Colors like flame orange, green, cobalt blue and purple livened up a usually gray autumn.  The hair was a bit tousled in front and twisted in an up-do in back.  The make-up followed a similar contrast of heavy eyes and neutral lips.  Both were in keeping with the day to night theme of the collection.

Twinkle by Wenlan’s Fall 2010 collection was a staple of black and cream with pops of purple, fuchsia and olive green sprinkled throughout.  The jackets came in tweed and shantung, and it was nice to see tweed more relaxed and  shantung a little more structured.  Mini dresses and leggings revealed it was a collection for the twenty-somethings.  The dresses are perfect for the girl who wants to look great without trying too hard, or if she’s simply not into ruffles.  It may be the antidote to ribbons and lace, but it has just the right feminine touch.

ADAM’s Fall 2010 collection offered chunky knits soft as a cloud to snuggle up to during the cooler autumn days.  The scarves paired with the sweaters create the illusion of that desired layered look, that says luxury.  It’s done just right to be worned straight from the runway and onto the  streets.  Adam Lippes has tapped into the way women want to dress when the dress code calls for casual with a twist of savvy chic.  It’s a youthful and sporty collection that will be appealing because of the shearling inspired coats and fabulous sweaters.  Skirts, dresses and pants also came down the runway, but the jackets and knits made the collection.